The Role of Gender in Borderline Personality Disorder (NCT07639957) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
The Role of Gender in Borderline Personality Disorder
Germany15 participantsStarted 2026-05-29
Plain-language summary
This study is a mixed-methods, single-arm cross-sectional study comprising 1) a qualitative, exploratory, critical-constructivist content analysis examining the significance of gender in relationship experiences and self-perception among individuals with borderline personality disorder and various gender identities, and 2) a pilot study on the use of the Single-Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IATs, adapted from von Hippel et al., 2018) as preparation for a larger-scale experimental psychological study using the SC-IAT to assess implicit gender- and BPD-related thought processes in people with borderline personality disorder and various gender identities.
15 individuals with BPD and different gender identities will be assessed. The research questions are:
1. What gender-related relationship- and self-experiences can be identified in people with BPD? How do experiences relate to observer-coded and self-reported mentalization ability, as well as self-reported symptoms, experiences of stigmatization, and quality of life?
2. Is there preliminary evidence that Single-Category Implicit Association Tests (SC-IATs) are suitable and reliable instruments for measuring implicit gender- and BPD-related thought processes in people with BPD?
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Signed informed consent form
. Individuals of all genders (target: n=5 with female gender identity, n=5 with nonbinary/trans\*/gender-non-conforming (TGNC) gender identity, n=5 with male gender identity) between the ages of 18 and 65 at the time of consent
. Individuals with a BPD diagnosis made within the last 2 years (ICD-10: F60.3; DSM-5: 301.83, ICD-11: Borderline qualifier)
. Understanding of the study procedure, ability and willingness to participate
. The participant is able to read and understand the informed consent form and can provide a written, personally signed, and dated informed consent form.
Exclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.